Hamann Motorsports Reinterprets the BMW 530d GT

BMW/Land Rover/Ferrari tuner Hamann just revealed its take on BMW's unfortunate 5-Series GT. Coming from Hamann, one would expect a car as divisive as the 5GT to be insane and over the top. Sadly, it's more subtle and understated.

Hamann's 5GT gets a new suspension setup across the range, functional front/rear spoilers, skirts, and a special rear apron to effectively house Hamann's new mufflers.

The 530d GT used as a show car has a reprogrammed Motronic, allowing it to pick up 30 ponies to peg output at 275 horsepower (and a huge 620 Nm / 457 lb-ft of torque); wheels are standard Hamann (bling-y).

Hamann hits the nail on the head, saying that the 5GT is "an unusual top-class, multi-purpose vehicle when it leaves the plant". After it's tuned you're still driving an unusual top-class, multi-purpose vehicle; just one lightly-tuned by Hamann.

By Phil Alex

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BMW Adds xDrive AWD Option on all 5-Series GTs and the 740d

BMW is completing the range of the new 5-Series Gran Turimso with the introduction of its so-called "intelligent" xDrive all-wheel-drive technology that will be offered on all engine variants of the crossover model.

Beginning from June 2010, 5-Series GT customers will have the choice of two versions of the car featuring xDrive, the 530d with a 245HP inline-six diesel, and the 550i with a 407HP 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 petrol.

According to the German firm, the 550i GT xDrive accelerates to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds while top speed is cut off by the engine's electronic control unit at 250 km/h or 155 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.8 lt/100 km, equal to 23.9 mpg imp, with CO2 emissions amounting to 275 g/km

The 530d xDrive GT accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h or 146 mph. It returns an average fuel consumption of 6.9 lt/100 km, equal to 40.9 mpg imp, in the EU test cycle. The CO2 rating, finally, is 183g/km.

In September, the xDrive range will be rounded off with the 535d xDrive GT and the 306HP 535i xDrive GT. Performance and fuel economy figures for these two models will be released at a later date.

Finally, the same all-wheel drive system will also make it appearance on the 740d limo that's powered by a 306HP turbo-diesel unit in autumn of 2010.

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AC Schnitzer Tries to Sport Up the New BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo

The new BMW 5-Series GT a.k.a. the Gran Turismo hasn't received the most flattering reviews for its looks from the press and bimmer fans alike, but famed German tuner AC Schnizter is attempting to change all that with the release of a new sport package that contains both cosmetic and mechanical goodies for the Bavarian automaker's luxury crossover.

The styling kit bundles a new front apron, bonnet air vents, side skirts, tail light trim, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser, chrome tail pipes and a wraparound boot lid spoiler plus a variety of alloy wheels in sizes from 19- to 22-inches.

Inside, AC Schnitzer offerings are limited to a unique aluminum cover for the i-Drive controller, special floor mats and an aluminum foot res and pedal set.

For the time being, the only available performance kit is for the 530d and its 3.0-liter straight-six turbo diesel unit that gets bumped from 245HP to 286 horsepower. The tuner's package for the diesel model is complemented by a new engine cover and a sports spring kit.

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